Saving Jesus
Resurrecting John the Baptist
by
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The prophet continued, ‘Ever since the disobedience of Adam and Eve, God has sought an individual who would follow His guidance and direction, often in the face of great opposition, even at the risk of death: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David. After Moses led our people out of Egypt, Judges and Kings led Israel. Unfortunately, with continued unfaithfulness and disobedience, the people (and God) lost confidence in these leaders. Prophets were raised up in an attempt to lead the people back to God. That is why we are here. If the people (and leaders) had followed God’s word and kept the law and commandments, we would not be needed to save the people from their own destruction. The kings and priests would have led the people, just as a father leads his eldest son. The relationship is natural; God has buried it deep in our very being. Unfortunately, when that relationship between a leader and the people is broken, the leaders and the nation have no inherent standing based on position or status, no continuation of values, tradition, or leadership. Trust, loyalty, and respect are gone. A Godly nation can exist ONLY when the leader follows God AND the people follow the Godly leader. It is very difficult to trust and believe in God’s prophets when the leaders themselves have lost their way. Greed, power, and selfishness take over, expressed in the suffering of the people and the destruction of the nation. The loss of Godly leaders led to the destruction of families, kingdoms, and the division of the nation. Even prophets turned against God’s Will, seeking the praise of man, riches, and power. Anyone who challenged their position and authority were seen as enemies to be destroyed rather than voices to be heard, respected and considered. Ultimately, only the written word of Moses and The Law remains constant, from generation to generation. This is the foundation, the rock, upon which God’s Nation was built. However, these words have been lost to many. The Commandments were a good starting point but they were not enough. They are most difficult to contemplate, accept, and follow on their own. Even with the Word of God the people need a leader, someone of substance who can be seen, heard, and obeyed.’ The younger man interrupted, ‘but people would not listen to you. Instead of turning from false idols and following the word of God, they wanted to kill you. Jezebel, that evil woman, wanted to destroy you in front of all the people!’ ‘That is true. Yet what happened to their priests? ‘ ‘They were completely destroyed up on Mount Carmel. Only the bloody bodies and smoking remains were left. You showed them whose God was really in charge.’ Elijah sighed, ‘That is true. But it was not my hand but God. With such a mighty display, did the people and witnesses change their ways?’ Elisha shook his head, ‘No, not at all, why Jezebel was even angrier that you destroyed all the prophets of Baal.’ Elijah nodded thoughtfully, ‘Moses said, “I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.” Sadly, I have experienced this anger first hand. Even more distressing, all day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people. It is a long history of frustration and rebellion, and continues to this very day.’ Elijah waited then continued despondently, ‘I tried to fulfill Moses’s dream, to inspire a Jewish nation dedicated to God, faithfully following His laws and commandments. Like Moses, it appears that I have not fully succeeded. And you Elisha, like Joshua following Moses must carry on in my place. You must complete the mission before us. If not, then God will have to find someone else to take our place and unite the Nation to prepare the way for the Lord and who knows if he will succeed. I fear that this will take a long time and delay His providence due to the ignorance and disobedience of Israel and delay the time of our salvation. There is much still to be done. Moses said a prophet like him would appear. Yes, someone must complete our mission and prepare the nation and its leaders for the Righteous One who is to come. ‘
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About the Book
The canvas of history provides a complex pattern of culture, change, and conflict. Colorful individuals were often the driving forces behind the progression of history. Was there a grander purpose behind these developments, beyond the individual people, locations, and events? History often turns on a simple thought or decision by those in a position to have a significant impact on the ultimate course for humankind. What influence did some of the most significant personages in human history unknowingly contribute on the world stage, even beyond their own individual stories and experiences? Was his story truly the driving force of history, the basic thread that ties the global human experience together? Author Ralph William Ausman’s novel, Saving Jesus: Resurrecting John the Baptist takes us on a journey through history, from the Holy Land, to China, India, Greece, and ancient Persia. It follows the origins of religious thought as world empires play out across the globe in preparation for the defining moment in world history: the birth of Jesus and the subsequent emergence of Christianity that would define world growth and development for the next two thousand years. Ausman looks at such questions as what would have happened had the wise men followed Jesus and his family or if John the Baptist had become Jesus’s first disciple. Saving Jesus: Resurrecting John the Baptist is not intended as a refutation of the Bible. Instead, it invites you to take an interesting—and different—look at the most important events and people of history.
About the Author
Ralph William Ausman earned a degree in computer science from California State University, Northridge. He then lived and worked in Europe and Singapore with his wife and daughter before returning to the United States. Ausman has always had an interest in different religions and their effects on culture and history.